Stockholders Equity (Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 44,233	$ 74,304	$ 203,066	$ 171,017
Net decrease in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests			(19,963)
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests			(19,963)
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' equity from net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests			$ 183,103